Five Tips to Share with Clients Before Sunless-Tanning Treatments

With summer just around the corner, spa-goers are soon going to be in search of that perfect pre-summer base tan. As your sunless-tanning options book up this season, be sure to provide your clients some of these suggestions from our experts to help prepare them for the most satisfying sunless-tanning experience:

“Don’t use any oil-based lotions prior to applying sunless tanner. This will create a barrier and interfere with the effectiveness of the tanning actives.”—LaDonna Sheridan, director of sales and marketing, Fake Bake

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“Shave any unwanted hair at least 24 hours in advance to avoid irritation and dark dots where the tan has seeped into open hair follicles; exfoliate skin the day before to eliminate dead cells and avoid the appearance of darker or lighter patches of color; moisturize skin with body lotion, but remember to allow it to fully absorb before the service; and pay attention to dry areas of the skin.”—Sara LaBree Baldwin, education manager, North America, Jurlique International

“Key to preparation is exfoliating without creating micro-tears and ensuring the pH-balance of the skin is optimal for activation of the sunless tanner. By using a non-abrasive exfoliating product, you dissolve the skin cells at the end of their life cycle, rather than forcibly tearing them off the outer layers of skin. That helps create a smooth canvas of young and healthy skin cells for even coverage. By normalizing the pH-balance of the skin, areas of the body that tend to be dryer and absorb solution at a deeper rate will absorb at a similar rate as more hydrated skin. That will lend itself to a more even fade and longer-wearing tan.”—Veronique Munro, founder and CEO, Infinity Sun

“Male sunless-tanning clients should shave their faces prior to application; exfoliate; and apply body lotion on knuckles, elbows, and other dry areas before sunless tanner is applied. Also, wipe off nails immediately after application so the nails don’t turn yellow.”—Julie Nostrand, owner, South Seas Skin Care